Devender Yadav Calls for Broader Inquiry into Liquor Scam
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Synopsis
Devender Yadav, the Delhi Congress President, criticizes the CAG report for revealing corruption within the AAP government and demands a wider investigation into the liquor scam, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Devender Yadav critiques the CAG report's findings.
- Allegations of misuse of public funds by AAP.
- Call for a broader investigation into the liquor scam.
- Formation of the Public Accounts Committee proposed.
- Opposition demands accountability and transparency.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav strongly condemned the findings presented in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, asserting that it revealed the ruling party's “loot, lies, and division.”
During a press conference on Wednesday, he accused the report of unveiling how the AAP government misappropriated public funds while implementing its liquor policy.
Yadav stated, “The CAG report illustrates that the funds belonging to the people of Delhi have been plundered. While the AAP government boasted about revenue increases, the truth is that Rs 2,000 crore were squandered in this endeavor.”
He further claimed that the recommendations from the expert committee were overlooked and accused AAP leaders of dishonesty regarding the entire matter.
“This situation arises from the internal conflict between AAP and BJP, which is why the CAG report is not being debated in the Assembly,” he remarked.
Addressing the public's worries regarding the liquor policy, Yadav reiterated Congress's call for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
He emphasized, “We insist that the scope of the liquor scam investigation be broadened. The formal complaint we lodged against AAP and BJP should be scrutinized, and there must be public discourse regarding the falsehoods surrounding the liquor scam.”
Additionally, he urged the establishment of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to examine the CAG report and ensure that those accountable for the scam face consequences.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit remarked, “The CAG report distinctly indicates how the initial intent of the liquor policy was altered. What was meant to be a strategy to enhance participation led to a reduction in the number of wholesale licensees from 77 to just 14, all of whom are interconnected.”
In response to inquiries about the AAP government's position on excise duties, Dikshit explained, “The AAP had vowed not to impose excise duties on every bottle of liquor, but instead proposed an annual hike of 5 percent to 10 percent in the base price. This adjustment created a significant loophole, allowing 30 percent to 40 percent of illegal liquor sales in Delhi to evade detection.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the CAG’s 'Performance Audit Report on the Regulation and Supply of Liquor in Delhi' in the Assembly.
This report carries substantial political significance as it tackles one of the most contentious issues during the tenure of AAP.
In spite of ongoing political disputes, the Opposition is now demanding accountability and transparency regarding this matter, pressing for a more thorough investigation into the findings detailed in the CAG report.
